Now this is sheer class. One of my favourite game series ever, I will give detailed information on the series below. The simple yet effective side-scrolling beat em up formula was a tried and tested format in the early 1990s, and with Nintendo acquiring the Final Fight series, Sega needed to combat this with a bigger, better game with multiple endings included.

 This, ladies and gentlemen, was the beginning of Streets of Rage, which set the target for beat em ups worldwide. Considered a classic series by many, I will give some information on each of the three games, plus information on the as yet unconfirmed Streets of Rage 4.

Streets of Rage

The first in the series is my least favourite of the trio. However, it is still extremely fun to play and offers quite a challenge to whoever plays it. Although this game was very good, it looked dated for the Megadrive at the time, even though it was one of the first generation.

Streets of Rage has many features, including multiple endings and special two player moves, which sadly werent included in the second installment. The story in this is the evil crime syndicate, run by the aptly named Mr. X, takes over the city (which is based on New York?). You are a police officer assigned with the task of depleting the city of the impeding evil. Are you up to your task? Word of warning: this game on single player is extremely hard; it is hard on two player too.

Streets of Rage 2

This is in my, and many others, opinion the best of the series. Thanks to its silky smooth animation, and good use of sprites, the graphics stood well above the previous outing and any Megadrive game at the time. The gameplay is where its at though. One of the most playable games I have ever had the chance to experiance.

In the game two new characters are added to the roster, alongside Blaze and Axel. They are called Max and Skate. The story this time around is that Mr. X strikes back after his defeat, and decides to kidnap Adam (a playable character in the first game). Axel and Blaze have left the police force, so they have to do it with the help of Skate, Adam's younger brother, and Max, an ageing former wrestler with immense strength but is extremely slow.

Overall, the best in the series, and one of the greatest games to ever grace a console. :)

Streets of Rage 3

The final installment in the brilliant series doesn't live up to its prequel, but it is an absolutely superb game. The story this time is that Mr X is back (damn Mr X) and he is kidnapping the city officials and replacing them with evil robots, that are under his control. He also kidnaps the Chief of Police, and to add to this mayhem he has planted several bombs throughout the city.

The gameplay is exactly the same as the previous Streets of Rage, but the graphics have been slightly improved. Blaze, Axel and Skate are back, with a new character, namely Dr. Zan. Sadly Max was not included in the game. Streets of Rage 3 is quite difficult, much more difficult than the previous outing. An added bonus to the game is that there are multiple endings, which I personally was pleased with as they were missed out of Streets of Rage 2.

Overall, another classic Megadrive game, which is my second favourite in the Streets of Rage series.